Kuwait approves historic 12-team Zain Premier League for 2026-27

Kuwait Football Association Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef addresses the media.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 24: The Kuwait Football Association (KFA) Board, headed by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef, has approved the expansion of the Zain Premier League to 12 teams for the first time in the competition’s history, beginning with the 2026-27 season.

The historic edition will feature the 10 clubs that competed in the top flight last season — Kuwait Club, Al-Qadsia, Al-Arabi, Al-Shabab, Kazma, Al-Salmiya, Al-Jahra, Al-Tadamon, Al-Fahaheel and Al-Nasr — alongside Al-Sulaibikhat and Al-Sahel, the First Division champion and runner-up, respectively.

Since assuming leadership of the federation during its transitional period in October 2024, before being elected to a new four-year term on May 20, Al-Yousef has worked to broaden participation in Kuwaiti football by encouraging government bodies, institutions and private- and public-sector companies to support and participate in domestic competitions within the legal framework.

Those efforts have already led to the involvement of new teams. Sporty, Al-Shamiya and Al-Jazeera competed in the First Division last season, while Al-Ittihad and the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Police Union Club, will join the second tier this season.

The expansion means the Premier League will now have 12 teams, while the First Division will feature eight.

The move is part of the KFA’s wider efforts to bring Kuwaiti football closer to the Asian professional league system and meet the Asian Football Confederation’s requirements, with the ultimate aim of ensuring Kuwaiti clubs can compete across all continental competitions.

The 12-team format represents a significant change after the Premier League had been restricted to 10 clubs for many years. It could also open the door for further expansion if the new teams establish themselves and deliver strong performances.

Sheikh Al-Yousef’s approach reflects an effort to raise the overall standard of the domestic competition and develop Kuwaiti football, with the improvements expected to have a positive impact on the national team in the years ahead.